This book analyzes the competitive forces which dominate this major sector and traces how the nature of competition has evolved during the last two hundred years. Through an analysis of key factors, including demand, related and supporting industries, firm strategy, structure and national rivalry, chance and government policy, John Singleton explains how and why the locus of competitive advantage in textiles and apparel has moved from country to country, particularly in the period since 1945. Drawing on Michael Porter's recent work on the competitive advantage of nations, a new framework of analysis is developed with which to assess the forces likely to influence the direction of the textiles industry in the long term. Presenting an international perspective which encompasses the textile complexes of the UK, continental Europe, the USA, Japan and the emerging economies of Asia, this title provides a fascinationg insight into one of the major industries of the world. It will be of interest to students and researchers of industrial economics, business and international trade as well as to those interested in the textiles industry.